Global Insights Opens with Guyana

The uniquely English-speaking country of Guyana sits on the northern coast of South America, populated by a rich blend of global cultures stretching from the Far East to Western Europe. Once Dutch, then a British colony, the small country of 740,000 is inhabited mostly the descendants of transplanted groups of East Indian indentured servants (Indo-Guyanese) and African slaves (Afro-Guyanese). Together they make up over three-quarters of the nation’s people. Additionally, traditions and foods are enhanced by Native American, Chinese and Portuguese influences.  Sisters, Domonique Thompson ’20, Neuroscience, and Deniya Thompson, ’20, Health Administration, will present on this exotic Amazon rainforest country and share their family’s culture in the first fall Global Insights presentation on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2019, beginning at 11:30 a.m., Brennan Hall, Rose Room 509. Registration is required.

At the age of 12, their mother came to the United States from the capitol city area of Georgetown.  She often would tell her daughters of her childhood and life in Guyana. Deniya shared “One of mom’s favorite memories was climbing trees to pick mangos. Being one with the earth and community, that’s what she loved.” Domonique related that the community around you was part of your supportive family. “Community plays a role in raising the children there. If you get in trouble in school, they would show up because they would want to see you succeed.”

Upon graduation,  Domonique plans to follow in her grandmother’s footsteps and become a nurse, traveling to and serving the people of Guatemala. Deniya plans to enter the University’s Health Admin graduate program.

This program is being offered by the Office of Global Education, the Cross Cultural Centers, Residence Life and the Office of Equity and Diversity. A light lunch featuring cuisine from the highlighted country will be served. Registration for this event is required. Click here to register. For more information, please contact Huey Shi Chew at hueyshi.chew@scranton.edu or 570-941-7575.